Norbert DeGroot, Convicted Sex Offender, Charged with Child Sexual Assault

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced that Norbert DeGroot has been charged with one count of sexual assault of a child.  An initial appearance was held on January 28, 2013, in Calumet County Circuit Court. 

According to the Criminal Complaint, DeGroot sexually assaulted a 4-year-old child in July of 2011.  He is charged with first degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 12, a class B felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 60 years; however, because DeGroot was convicted of second degree sexual assault of a child in Shawano County Circuit Court Case No. 1987-CR-825 on February 14, 1989, it is alleged he is a persistent repeater making the potential penalty under ch. 973, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or extended supervision. The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in front of Calumet County Judge Jeffrey Froehlich on February 8, 2013, at 10:15 a.m.

A criminal complaint is a document accusing a person of a violation of criminal law.  A defendant enjoys a presumption of innocence.  The prosecution must prove its allegations at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.

Assistant Attorney General Karie D. Cattanach is representing the State.  This investigation was conducted by the New Holstein Police Department, Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, Calumet County Sheriff’s Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Seymour Police Department